Reassessing water resource challenges in a changing climate in the Kagera transboundary river basin, Tanzania

Abstract

The dynamic shifts in climatic patterns, particularly alterations in precipitation, have significantly impacted water resource availability and accessibility. These climate-induced changes affect hydrological processes, encompassing runoff, groundwater replenishment, water demand, and biophysical patterns within river basins. This study seeks to unravel the multifaceted implications encountered and challenges in water resource management within the river basin. It employed a survey-based approach for data collection, including Key informant interviews (KI), consultation methods and documentary reviews. The study utilized Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel for quantitative analysis and thematic synthesis for qualitative insights, including local community perspectives. The findings reveal substantial fluctuations in precipitation, protracted droughts, severe flooding, and other climatic extremes. The observed annual mean rainfall of 832 mm, with a standard deviation of 248, a standard error of 361, and a skewness of −945, accentuates the pronounced variability in mean precipitation, exhibiting a declining trend indicative of climatic shifts (R² = 0.1797 and P = 0.002). The challenges are limited access to hydrological and meteorological data, undermining prediction accuracy, infrastructure planning, and response strategies for water resource allocation and management. The absence of unified approaches, influenced by the politics of riparian states, feeble coordination, conflicting sectoral policies, and ambiguous priorities, hinders effective transboundary water resource management. The study addresses these complexities and advocates for institutionalizing robust water management strategies that capitalize on existing resources and foster innovative capacities among critical stakeholders. Central to these efforts is harmonizing and enforcing policies, regulations, and laws governing water use, coupled with a concerted focus on inclusive governance to ensure the sustainability of water resource management. Such effort entails synchronized strategies, programs, plans, and livelihood practices underpinned by active stakeholder involvement in pivotal facets of water resources management.